When completing a project, one of the first steps is usually deciding between attaching your magnets to another magnet or to steel. It might seem like either one could work – and in most cases, it can — but, we’ll walk you through the differences between the two attractions and some basic rules of thumb to make your experience working with these two materials as easy as possible. After all, education saves you time, money, and stress.
When Your Steel Plate is Large...
Typically, magnet-magnet is a stronger hold than magnet steel. One situation you could find yourself in is needing a large surface area, but, the strength of magnet-magnet. If the piece of steel you’re using is big enough, using magnet-to-steel is virtually the same as using magnet-to-magnet. When a magnet is sticking to a large steel plate, it requires approximately the same amount of force to pull the magnet away from the steel as it does to pull it from another magnet. This means, if your steel piece is thick enough and large enough, the force would be roughly identical.
When Your Steel Plate is Small...
If your piece of steel is thin or small, however, then using magnet-to-steel would be the weaker option. The thickness of the steel plate matters in terms of attractive force and the overall piece should be slightly larger than the size of the magnet in order to see comparable force. So if your plate is relatively small, then try using magnet-to-magnet instead—it will give you more strength where you need it! If strength doesn’t matter, you can use either option.
When There’s A Gap...
If your project requires a space between the two forces then you might want to avoid using a magnet-to-steel attraction. The gap between the magnet and the object you’re attaching it to can limit or interrupt the force. Thus, the magnet-to-magnet option will almost always provide a stronger force than the magnet-to-steel would.
When Cost is Considered...
Cost may also be a factor to consider once you’ve looked over the rules about size, thickness, and space between the attractions. Steel can be cheaper, but it’s not always the most efficient option for your project. But for smaller crafts and DIYs, steel may work well and cost less where for larger more complex projects, magnet-to-magnet is likely your best option.
Let Apex Magnets Help You on Your Next Project
Next time you start a DIY, craft, or project, return to this blog to make sure to choose the most appropriate option for your situation. We’re always working on ways our customers can use our magnets and other products, from hobbyists and crafters to manufacturers and business owners. Sign up for our newsletter to get these stories and more sent straight to your inbox each month.
